2017’s full programme of Handball @ School courses came to an end in December in Sierra Leone. Chairperson of the Handball@School (H@S) Working Group and Commission of Coaching and Methods lecturer, Dr Ilona Hapkova, ran the course from December 1st to 9th, visiting three different cities as part of the cooperation with the Sierra Leone Handball Federation.

 

Despite some challenging conditions, such as the fact that there were no full-sized handball courts to work on, the course was a great success. Coinciding with the course, a handball festival for approximately 100 children was arranged, and demonstration matches featuring Junior-age players were organised in cooperation with the SLHA, National Olympic Committee and Ministry of Education. 118 physical education teachers, coaches and students participated in the coaching courses in Kenema Town, Makena Town and Masiaka Town – most of whom previously had very limited knowledge of handball.

 

“Participants were surprised how the kids liked the exercises, how little materials are needed, and how easy it is to work practically in PE – not just in theory. The big problem is that PE teachers teach students physical education in class and only a few teach them practically – once in two weeks,” wrote Dr Hapkova in her official report.

 

“The participants showed remarkable motivation and commitment with all the activities during the three days of the intense H@S programme: ‘Learning by Doing’. They want to include handball in the school curriculum.

 

“This event was well publicised through interviews with several radio stations and newspapers. Interviews with radio and newspapers hopefully help the popularity of this sport in Sierra Leone.”

 

Following the successful completion of the first course, participants have the opportunity to obtain the ‘D Licence’ through the IHF Education Centre. In addition to the lectures, Dr Hapkova delivered a significant number of learning materials, as well as 90 balls for use in schools.